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# Suffolk HPV vaccine uptake falls for second year
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-hpv-vaccine-uptake-falls-for-second-year/
- Published: 2025-02-17T14:44:48.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:21:37.000Z
- Description: Only 83.1% of year 8 girls received the HPV jab in 2023-24, down from 84.7% the previous year.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health & Care Services, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against nearly all cervical cancers, as well as head and neck, anal, and genital cancers.

**By the numbers:**

- 83.1% of year 8 girls in Suffolk were vaccinated last year (down from 84.7%)
- 78.2% of year 8 boys vaccinated (down from 80.9%)
- Pre-pandemic rate was 86.5% for girls

![The HPV vaccine](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1739803367-hpv-vaccine-1.jpg)

The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against nearly all cervical cancers, as well as head and neck, anal, and genital cancers Photo: Samara Heisz (Getty Images)

**The bigger picture:** While Suffolk's vaccination rates are declining, they remain above the national average. Across England, HPV vaccine coverage among year 8 girls increased slightly from 71.3% to 72.9% last year, though still well below the 88% pre-pandemic rate.

**What they're saying:** Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "Thanks to the power of research and efforts of NHS staff, we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in our lifetime – the HPV vaccine combined with cervical screening can help to bring about a future virtually free from the disease."

**What to know:** The vaccine is offered to all 12 to 13-year-olds in schools and community clinics. People under 25 can contact their GP practice to get the jab if they missed it in school.

**The bottom line:** NHS England aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, but nearly a third of young people still lack this "vital protection," according to Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening.

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